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Lakers officially sign Nick Young to four-year, $21.5 million deal

Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young (0) puts up a shot in front of Orlando Magic forward Maurice Harkless (21) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Orlando, Fla., Friday, Jan. 24, 2014. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

The Lakers officially signed up for more years of “Swaggy P,” formalizing Nick Young’s four-year, $21.5 million deal that includes a player option in his final season. The Lakers and Young agreed to a deal 10 days ago, but they held off on signing the contract so they could navigate the parameters of the NBA’s complicated collective bargaining agreement.

After acquiring Carlos Boozer last Thursday on an amnesty claim, the Lakers waived point guard Kendall Marshall so they could have enough money both to accommodate the Boozer and Young acquisitions. The Lakers are then allowed to Jordan Hill’s two-year, $18 million deal because his “Bird Rights’ enable them to go over the cap. The Lakers can then sign deals to Ed Davis (a reported two years, $2 million), Xavier Henry (a reported one-year worth $1 million), Xavier Henry (a reported one-year worth $1 million) and Ryan Kelly (two years).

“When Nick became a free agent in June, I expressed hope that we would be able to bring him back on a contract that was in the best interest of both the Lakers and himself, and I am proud to say we were able to do so,” Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said in a statement. “Nick was a bright spot for us last season, and we are happy to retain such a skilled player who is committed to being a part of what we are building as a franchise.”

After averaging a team-leading 17.9 points, Young opted out of his $1.2 million player option in hopes of seeking a longer and more lucrative deal with the Lakers. The Lakers also wanted to keep Young, who starred both at Reseda Cleveland High and USC. But the Lakers were unsure if they would be able to re-sign him to a multi-year deal considering they prioritized pursuing LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. Once it became official the Lakers’ pitch did not work out, Young became the first player from last year’s team to agree to a deal.

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